Chicago – April 25, 2026
President Donald Trump has canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were expected to discuss ceasefire efforts with Iran. The decision came after Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, left Islamabad without direct talks with the U.S. delegation, according to Reuters and AP reports.
Trump said the White House would not send officials on an 18-hour flight “to sit around talking about nothing,” adding that the United States “holds all the cards” in the conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier said the envoys were being sent to Pakistan to hear Iran’s position, with Pakistan serving as an intermediary.
The abrupt reversal underscores the fragility of the latest diplomatic push as fighting continues and regional tensions remain high. It also leaves uncertain whether indirect negotiations can resume through Pakistani channels.
